Report: Villa 'huge admirers' of Europa League side's duo, despite Coutinho arrival

By Will Butcher

The Athletic claim Aston Villa are still ‘huge admirers’ of Rangers duo Joe Aribo and Glen Kamara. That is, despite confirming the loan arrival of Philippe Coutinho from Barcelona on Friday morning.

Coutinho, 29, joins after falling down the pecking order at Barcelona. The 63-time Brazil international is on the firing list at Barcelona, and a permanent clause has been included in the loan. He is due to arrive over the weekend.

However, that has clearly not stopped Steven Gerrard and his coaching staff from looking at his old side, Rangers. Indeed, the report from The Athletic’s Jordan Campbell identifies two players that Gerrard could go after.

The report states that Rangers are ‘huge admirers’ of both Aribo and Kamara. Nigeria international Aribo is likely to play in a similar position if he was to join Villa, while Finland ace Kamara is more of a holding midfielder.

Villa eye Kamara and Aribo: Do Villa need Rangers duo, after Coutinho?

Probably not both. Aribo is a top, top player with enormous potential and could be sold on for a much bigger fee. But the ex-Charlton star is much like Coutinho in that he is an attacking midfielder, with skill and goals.

If Villa do sign Coutinho permanently, then they do not need Aribo. But the need for Kamara remains – even in this month. Villa need another midfielder, with Marvelous Nakamba injured. Kamara would be the ideal addition.